Always His Earl by Cheryl Dragon Page B

both do. I hope you’re not thinking of Basil.” George took a step back.
    “No, I’m only interested in the elder Hardwick. Hate is the opposite of love, and I’ve loved and hated you for years. I know you feel both for me. If you believe the poets, love wins.” Myles smiled at him. “I’m going to check on Claire.”
    George watched Myles leave. He wanted to do things to Myles’ ass. However, they had to be in control, especially in London. Too many eyes watching and tongues wagging could start a rumor that would follow them. George needed to be alone and regain his control before joining the others upstairs.

Chapter Four
    T he next morning, Myles wanted George to have his way. After what Myles had done the day before in the library, he knew George would take charge overnight, and he thoroughly had. Sex was the best distraction and the one thing they weren’t getting nearly enough of. When they talked about anything but Claire, bitterness and hurt boiled up. Myles wanted to clear the air, but George had built walls around his heart.
    One by one, Myles was pulling down the walls between them and George hadn’t noticed. George caring about Myles’ safety had knocked down a whole layer as far as the sailor was concerned. It’d been so long since anyone had cared where Myles was or if he was safe, that it felt wonderful. George could claim it was about Claire, but the men knew each other too well.
    The navy kept tabs on its crew, true, but in war—death was a reality. Getting too attached to friends onboard only made it harder in battle. Myles received the odd letter from Claire, but mail delivery was not very reliable. Myles’ father and brother only wrote to remind him of their rise in Society and his sickness wouldn’t be tolerated. He wouldn’t be supported in any way if he left the navy and took up with men.
    The two elder Harris men had been dead for months when the news reached Myles. It’d been well over a year since the deaths before Myles could get approved for release from duty and back to port. His mourning was done and thankfully his time at war with France and his own family had both ended.
    Even with all those men onboard ship in such close quarters, Myles had felt terribly alone. He’d gotten used to it. As George kissed up Myles’ chest, it started to truly sink in that someone did care. Myles believed deep down that George had never stopped. Whatever George believed Myles had done, the hate came from their love. Just like Myles’ pent-up feeling of betrayal. He’d believed George might find a way to free him. Rescue him.
    Every day and every minute Myles was away from George had been painful. He’d gone numb after a year. The bitterness was gone. The Earl of Thistledown would protect his sister. Myles believed the men could find their way back together with a little patience. His sister mattered more and the fact that George felt that way only made Myles’ heart melt faster.
    Myles deepened the kiss the second George reached his mouth. Their tongues tangled, but Myles gripped George’s neck to keep him right there.
    “You’re getting fucked. Don’t argue today. You played games in the library. That was enough of a risk,” George said.
    “I’m all yours, George. You don’t know what it means.” Myles kissed his cheek.
    “What means?” George gripped Myles’ cock and caressed it slowly.
    Moaning, Myles stretched. “Yesterday. You were worried about me.”
    “Of course. I don’t want you dead.” He touched the scar on Myles’ side. It wasn’t something Myles would ever brag about. When their ship was hit during battle, Myles had been thrown back, and he landed on a splintered piece of wood. The damn wound had taken forever to heal, but he’d lived.
    George kissed Myles again when he stayed quiet.
    “You think I didn’t worry about you? Follow your ship in the news?” George rubbed his cock along Myles’ thigh.
    “I couldn’t think about it. I assumed you hated me